Exploring Historic Instruments at a Musical Museum
Vintage musical instruments from revered companies like Martin and Gibson are not only prized for their beauty, craftsmanship, and rarity but also for their significant role in shaping the sound of modern music. These instruments have played a crucial part in defining various American music genres such as folk, blues, bluegrass, and country.
In Phoenix, Arizona, the Musical Instrument Museum is currently hosting an exhibit titled “Acoustic America: Iconic Guitars, Mandolins, and Banjos”. This exhibit showcases 90 fretted instruments that hold historical significance, many of them having been used by renowned musicians at pivotal moments in cultural and recording history. For example, there is the custom 12-fret dreadnought that Peter Yarrow played during a performance with Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder in 1986, and the 1929 Dobro 125 that LeRoy (Mack) McNees used during his appearances with the Kentucky Colonels on “The Andy Griffith Show”.
The inspiration for this exhibition stemmed from a collaboration with mandolin virtuoso David Grisman, who generously loaned 30 instruments from his personal collection. These instruments include the iconic 1925 Gibson F-5 “Fern” mandolin that Grisman played as his primary instrument for many years. Other notable contributors to the exhibit include John Oates, Alison Brown, Jerry Douglas, and Jake Shimabukuro.
The exhibition at the Musical Instrument Museum aims to present a diverse selection of instrument types, makers, time periods, and styles. Rather than placing the instruments behind uniform glass cases, custom mounts have been created to display them in a specific position, allowing visitors to observe them up close and in their authentic state. The instruments are presented as they are, with visible fingerprints, scratches, and unique characteristics that highlight their individuality and history.
This exhibit serves as a reminder of how interconnected yet distinct each instrument is, reflecting the diversity and richness of the musical world. By exploring these historic instruments and the stories behind them, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that have shaped acoustic music over the years.